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Greetings to the members of the Silver Crusade. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Snowmask Sister Nisha, a humble Merchant from Qadira, and an honourary member of the Snowmask clan of one of the tribes from the lands of the frozen north.
I am, myself, not a Silver Crusader. Being a Tiefling, and having faced discrimination based upon my appearance, has made my outlook on Good vs. Evil moot. However, my recent experiences within the Worldwound has left me ... disturbed.
Having faced such horrors from the Abyss, and the cruelty they have caused, I can no longer in good concious keep myself unaligned in these matters anymore. By the Dawnflower's grace, it is time for me to pick a side.
I cannot abandon my current loyalties. Perhaps I am too set in my ways. However, when such my priorities are not in conflict, I wish to offer my services to any Silver Crusader I meet in the course of my duties as a Pathfinder. I will gladly fight beside any of you to ensure this horror is stopped.
All I ask in return is guidance from those on the side of light, to ensure that I shall forever more stand for what is good and right.
I thank you for listening. And I will perhaps see you in the Worldwound. And from this day forward, may the darkness be afraid of the light.
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Another tiefling steps from a shadowy corner and flashes a toothy grin.
"I can certainly empathize with your story. Perhaps it is because I too have been judged by the fierceness of my teeth, and not for my character. Perhaps it is because I only recently joined the Silver Crusade myself after, you know, that incident with Grandmaster Torch."
"If anyone understands the horror that would come to pass if these demonic hordes are not stopped and driven back, it is those like you and I. I look forward to taking up that fight beside you, and any other Pathfinder, of any faction, willing to commit to the cause."
"May the darkness be afraid of the light, indeed. But if it comes to fighting in the darkness, I know a few tricks for that too!"
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Nisha turns to Augustine and smiles.
"Greetings. I thank you for your sympathy. Indeed, those of us who have been born from evil but are not evil themselves are perhaps the best matched to this fight. I look forward to the day when we may stand together and drive back the darkness to whence they came."
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"Greetings unto all who would oppose evil." The overarmored woman from Cheliax offers a hard smile. "I have fought demons and others for a long time now, and seen some of what can happen. If you can live with your ancestry, and still fight the good fight, who am I to turn you away?"
"I look to the Inheritor for my own guidance, and Her Blessed Acts. We can but strive to do the best we can. If perchance we are on the same mission or patrol into Old Sarkoris, you can rest assured that I will welcome and guide you as best I can."
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"My father once told me," chimes another voice, this one quiet, deep, and with the faintest hint of dwarven brogue. "All souls are made of the same impurities. Evil beasts can be born, true. But true evil is a path forged, and one any willing soul can wander."
He is a a young tiefling, nearing two decades in age, red skinned with sweeping ridged horns more akin to Nisha than Augustine. His talons click against the stone floor, still six feet in height despite his reverse articulated legs. He wears a simple blacksmiths leathers and an apron, soot stained like his hands and face, which he fastidiously attempts to clean away with a rag produced from his pocket.
"One can respect your sense of loyalty, Mistress Nisha, and your good intentions. Evil can be overcome by many minor acts of kindness as they can by righteous armies of crusaders. Should the people of the North desire armor and other armaments, perhaps we could speak again." he says, seemingly embarrassed by how much he has spoken and turning inward. "Forgive me. Vasher, of Clan Steelhand. At your service."
He bows to Nisha, his tail twitching slightly.
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Greetings Nisha A 6'5" Aasimar with blue metalic skin with a shimmering halo glowing above his head extends forward his had.
I too know the foulness that flows forth from the Worldwound and I think I speak on behalf of the Silver Crusade when I say anyone who stands against and attempts to turn that tide is doing the Crusade's work.
Finally, I have met some good Tieflings and some evil Aasimar. Good and Evil are not a product of birth, but as Vasher put a process of choices. I hope one day to find my Tiefling daughter Mordren and give her the family neither of us has had, and if I have to show her the light aswell.
The tall Aasimar in shimmering scalemail bows and steps back.
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A ophidian form moves into the light, her scales glimmering in every hue of the sunset. She smiles, in a surprisingly alluring manner, considering the needle like teeth that she has. Her tail coils around her leg and she moves towards a reclining chair. She appears to be a creature that enjoys luxury, her animalistic features marking her as beastbrood. Her clothing is fine silk, and to the observant eye the glint of a mithral chainshirt can be seen flashing under the fine, and flattering clothing for a few seconds. There is a scimitar at her side, looking as if it were made from cold iron, and emblazoned with runes for lightening. It is a finely wrought weapon.
"Now now... just because one is born with the blood of fiends coursing in their veins, doesn't mean that they cannot be a force of good within this world." She says, her voice slightly scolding. She lifts a hand, with the flourish of someone who has been trained how to always move in a manner that is pleasing to the eye.
The scaled tiefling is curved, though not overly busty. She's dressed in a manner that draws attention to her assets, and moves in a way that she seems more to flow from place to place as opposed to walk. She drifts forward more. "And even those of us born with fiendish blood in us can be chosen, before our births, by the powers of good." She extends a hand, and displays a birthmark that matches the holy symbol of Arshea.
"Me for example. I am Gwenfri Silverdragon, Tiefling and Paladin of Arshea." She glances down to a well groomed, but rather small looking wolf that is sitting by her side. "And this is Clemo, he's a shamless begger. Been with me since my first mission with the society. Rescued the poor little fellow. Now he was born a predator, rangy and hungry in the frozen north. Look at him now, as well mannered as any noble's hound."
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"In these past months, I have seen much of the demonic forces, and the evil incarnate in their beings. Times are hard for those who oppose them, and we still must not exclude any who will fight for right and good." She offers a smile, one from a hardened warrior who has not seen much of the softer side of life.
"Being part of the Society, I get to see many parts of the conflict, and many areas in which it rages. The quest for the Sky-Citadel has its purpose too, and I hope you can all aid in that cause."
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"Greetings once again fellow Pathfinders" Nisha says with a smile on her face.
"'Tis indeed been a long time since I have seen most of you. With the events of the Worldwound upon us, I was doing my part travelling to the far north, to the land of my adopted brothers and sisters of the Snowmask Clan in the Realm of the Mammoth Lords. Together, we snuck deep into the Worldwound, and helped with bringing back valuable information to the Mendev Crusaders. Thus I have been out of touch for a little over a year."
Nisha takes a deep breath "Alas, when I returned, I found Absalom much changed. The Qadira faction that I served loyally is no more. I do not take kindly to the unholy alliance between Qadira and the Sczarni. It is indeed too much for an honest business woman such as myself to bear."
"As a result, I have decided to finally answer the calling of my heart, and have now joined the ranks amongst you. Let us together help redeem those who can be saved, as my new leader has so eloquently stated, and help to mend those hearts and minds that have been scarred from the Worldwound. And to those who firmly stand in the darkness, may they fear the light of our cause, and the keen-ness of my blade."
"Many thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement. It lightens such an old heart as mine." Nisha smiles once more.
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A halfling enters wearing light, loose Qadiran clothing, suitable for a march through the desert, including a turban, and scimitars of various materials sheathed on his belt.
"Greetings, noble Pathfinders. I am Qassir, dervish swordsman of Qadira. Like Nisha, I am disturbed by the recent turn of events involving the Trade Prince joining forces with those Sczarni thugs to put his own business interests ahead of the common good. As a loyal Qadiran citizen, I want to stay loyal to my country. But as a good man who follows the teachings of the Dawnflower in all things, I cannot continue to follow my former leader."
"I have not decided which of the Society's factions I should ally myself with at this time. Given the Grand Lodge's obvious disregard for the safety of its agents, as demonstrated by the mission I was recently sent on to explore the ruins of Bonekeep, I cannot swear loyalty to Ambrus Valsin, either."
"I think my decision comes down to the Silver Crusade or Liberty's Edge. Both seem like good and noble causes, worthy of my sword. I will have to think on it further."
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Well, at least you *points at Nisha* have the grandiose declarations of loyalty to the gods and bringing light into the darkness checked; a manditory requirement. It looks like you are good at killin' big, bad, evil things too, and that's a helpful attribute. At first and second glance, you seem to fit right in. If you choose to stay, remember that getting a hopeless person to laugh at a good joke is in its own way, as rewarding as killing a demon.
In the corner a 6' tall fair skinned auburn haired man in Minkaian lamellar armor and a 6' curved blade resting across his lap whispers into his ale " Oh Iomedae, what have I gotten myself into?".
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A man in a gleaming mithral breast-plate with a pair of swords (one cold iron, one mithral) comes to the forefront riding his axebeak mount. He dismounts extending his hand in friendship.
"Iomedae teaches us that the circumstances of our birth do not determine our destinies. Let it be known that Sir Roderick the Chaste will stand beside you in battle against the darkness! May the servants of the Dawnflower and the Inheritor cause all those that refuse to repent, fall under the weight of honor and justice!"
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A six foot tall, fine looking young man with a bald head and eerie bright blue eyes introduces himself and has his say. He wears full plate armour, bears a fine longsword and his garb is adorned with obvious symbols of Iomedae.
"Greetings to you all. My name is Valard Amberge and I fight for the Silver Crusade. My brother is a Tiefling and he is also my best friend. I have fought demons in the Worldwound and dealt with other evil elsewhere."
"I have learnt that in the darkest, filthiest corners sometimes I will find the finest servant of goodness. And in the most beautiful and finest places sometimes I will find a servant of evil and a betrayer of all that is good. Appearances count for little. The measure of a person is in that person's heart and soul and that can not be easily seen."
"So I feel that we cannot strike out first with swords, but instead with offers of friendship and the sword is what we save for when redemption is impossible. My sword and my resolve are strong, but I will stay them until the time is right."
"By the Inheritor's grace"
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(A female Wayang in a Mithral breastplate wielding a child's training lance and a Cetus comes in, smelling of the stables, she has a surprisingly sing-song voice.)
Oh my, what is this ruckus? Someone else joined the Silver Crusade? Oh, grand! And a tiefling as well! Oh, that's so nice. It warms my heart to see that the pathfinders are more accepting than the Paladins of Lastwall. I tell you, their hearts are in the right place but . . . (she trails off). Anyway, welcome, welcome. Let's see, I think we have some refreshments around here somewhere . . .
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... their brains got hit too hard riding the saddle?
No no! No, It's not their riding. I've based my entire career off of what I learned by watching the paladins in the training yard charge with their mighty steeds! No, it's not that. I guess maybe . . . maybe fighting evil so much, I think maybe they start getting very cautious about certain species. I mean, My mom did insist on me learning Infernal when I was a kid. And we wayangs do have that weird undead-shadow-undead trick we can do. I guess that can make some people cautious
(Twillika looks around, realizing that she's talking to herself.)
Mr. Bat? Where did you go?
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"oh, hrm. I don't see top thing materals here..."
A Tiefling of obviously demonic heratige (purple hair with curling horns, scaly red skin, sharp fangs, and cloven hooves for feet) walks in wearing gleaming fullplate armor. It is literally glowing, and adorned with images of the Dawnflower. He has a scimitar at his side, but it doesn't look like it has been drawn very often. He seems to be looking for something.
"Hello little shadow person. You look kinda funny, but not like me. Must be easy to find Flower Redemption for you, I work hard to get redeem. Me work for the Great Jarl Rukk, smart man him. Top thing fell down again.
The tiefling points at the ceiling when he says top thing.
"Me not build good. Oh this Silver Crusade place. You say about people not like you cause the way you look. Me understand that, just be nice and lots people will start be nice too. If people not nice, and hurt other people then punch them, or bite them, but punch maybe not kill so be nice after."
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"oh, hrm. I don't see top thing materals here..."
A Tiefling of obviously demonic heratige (purple hair with curling horns, scaly red skin, sharp fangs, and cloven hooves for feet) walks in wearing gleaming fullplate armor. It is literally glowing, and adorned with images of the Dawnflower. He has a scimitar at his side, but it doesn't look like it has been drawn very often. He seems to be looking for something.
"Hello little shadow person. You look kinda funny, but not like me. Must be easy to find Flower Redemption for you, I work hard to get redeem. Me work for the Great Jarl Rukk, smart man him. Top thing fell down again.
The tiefling points at the ceiling when he says top thing.
"Me not build good. Oh this Silver Crusade place. You say about people not like you cause the way you look. Me understand that, just be nice and lots people will start be nice too. If people not nice, and hurt other people then punch them, or bite them, but punch maybe not kill so be nice after."
** spoiler omitted **
(Twillika looks startled and clearly out of her element as she searches for the right words.)
Oh, hello Mr. . . . Hello. Are you looking for. . . top thingies? Roofing materials? No, I don't think we have that stuff here. Maybe try the Exchange Embassy? I hear a lot of goods go through there. You might be able to find a carpenter there to help you too.
(She pauses to see if the strange Tiefling has understood her words.)
As for . . . redemption? No, Uh, yes. I mean, I don't follow Saranrae, I follow Grundinnar, god of friendship, loyalty, and peace. I respect Saranrae worshipers though, which I am . . . assuming you are? As for the other stuff . . . alas simply 'being nice' doesn't always make people nice to you but I will . . . keep your words in mind.
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"Yeah, not all people are nice, but friends nice. Peace nice. Oh, I Salurial. Grundinnar?"
"Oh Grundinnar nice! Roofing? That sounds right, it fell down again, I not build good. Lucky Jarl Rukk not get hurt easy and Raindus and I heal people. Sometimes I can make not moving people move again, dead to alive? I like dawnflower, she helps me be good, I sad that I not good..."
Salurial, seems to think that his heritage makes him somewhat unworthy of serving the forces of good.
"I always try for redemption, I throw myself in front of my allies whenever I get the chance, maybe I be good one day..."
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"Yeah, not all people are nice, but friends nice. Peace nice. Oh, I Salurial. Grundinnar?"
[dice=knowledge religion]1d20+5
"Oh Grundinnar nice! Roofing? That sounds right, it fell down again, I not build good. Lucky Jarl Rukk not get hurt easy and Raindus and I heal people. Sometimes I can make not moving people move again, dead to alive? I like dawnflower, she helps me be good, I sad that I not good..."Salurial, seems to think that his heritage makes him somewhat unworthy of serving the forces of good.
** spoiler omitted **"I always try for redemption, I throw myself in front of my allies whenever I get the chance, maybe I be good one day..."
(Twillika stares quizzically at the slow Tiefling.)
If you aren't good at building . . . maybe you should hire a carpenter? Y'know, a person who trains so that they can be good at building?As for the other thing, you aren't good? Why do you say you need so much redemption? I mean, you talk about being nice to others, and healing them, and you worship Saranrae . . .seems pretty nice to me.
Listen, if you have a moment, I have a story for you that might help. I used to live in Lastwall, a city filled with Paladins. They train there to fight a horde of . . . a bunch of bad people. I wanted to be a paladin too. But they wouldn't let me train with them. I think they didn't like that I was a Waya . . . a shadow-person. After a while, I figured out that it wasn't me, it was them. It wasn't that I wasn't good, it was just that the Paladins didn't think so. Being good is about what you do, and what you want to do.
If you do good things, and you do them because you want to be good, that makes you good, no matter what some other people think. It took me almost a decade to learn that, but I was much happier after I realized it. If someone doesn't think you're good because of . . . whatever, then that's their problem.
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"It not others, Others call me paladin. It bad blood, feel bad, so I do work for dawnflower, she redeem me like I offer others. Though the really bad things crumple under my fist, most things don't crumple so fast, just the really bad things."
Salurial stares at Twillika intently for about 3 seconds.
"You not bad, though other little shadow thing I met, was not nice. Was a while ago now, think that one was man shadow thing, not girl shadow thing like you.
People not like you for you are sad.
If you need place with friends, Jarl Rukk take you in, I make sure. Raindus really nice horse face woman, though she need to look at you to hear you. It hard to get others to come, like carpenter. Long travel and too many bad big frost people near by, and cold but Jarl Rukk travel stars in Bird Hut, lots honor work for Rukk, only one I know stand in front like me."
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Yes, well, most Wayang- Shadow People are rather Morose- they are sad that they can't live on the shadow plane. I don't know why, really, because I'm content to try and be a knight here. I think though some of them get a little too angry about it though and become . . . not nice. I know my cousin Dagagal was like that . . . I wonder whatever happened to him . . .
Anyway, I'm glad to have met you Salurial. I'm Twillika. And while I don't think I'm . . . hearty enough to journey to Jarl Rukk's place just yet, but maybe sometime. I still have responsibility here. Speaking of, my break is almost over, I gotta get back to the stables.
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Yes, well, most Wayang- Shadow People are rather Morose- they are sad that they can't live on the shadow plane. I don't know why, really, because I'm content to try and be a knight here. I think though some of them get a little too angry about it though and become . . . not nice. I know my cousin Dagagal was like that . . . I wonder whatever happened to him . . .
Anyway, I'm glad to have met you Salurial. I'm Twillika. And while I don't think I'm . . . hearty enough to journey to Jarl Rukk's place just yet, but maybe sometime. I still have responsibility here. Speaking of, my break is almost over, I gotta get back to the stables.
((((The above was me, Sorry for breaking immersion))))
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"I understand your frustration, and believing yourself unworthy. To have the darkness in one's blood constantly trying to pollute one's soul. With so many telling us it's impossible to fight our 'true nature', is it any wonder so many stop trying? I must tell you, however, that that darkness does not have to define you. Always remember that Sarenrae loves you, regardless of any impurities beyond your control."